Children with severe developmental disabilities and behavioral disorders have increased special healthcare needs

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Health
• Developmental Disabilities
• Behavioral Disorders

Background:

• Children with severe developmental disabilities (SDD) often present with comorbid behavioral disorders.
• The relationship between special healthcare needs (SHCNs) and behavioral disorders in this population requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if children with SDDs and comorbid behavioral disorders have higher rates of SHCNs compared to children with SDDs without behavioral disorders.
• To explore the potential influence of SHCNs on the occurrence or intensity of behavioral disorders in children with SDDs.

Main Methods:

• A matched-comparison control group design was employed.
• Thirty-six children with SDDs were analyzed, matched for age, sex, ethnicity, intellectual disability level, and psychiatric diagnosis.
• Measures included the Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist, behavioral observation, health status examination, and the Childhood Health Questionnaire (CHQ).

Main Results:

• Children with SDDs and behavioral disorders exhibited significantly higher levels of SHCNs, confirmed by CHQ and health status examination.
• The incidence of SHCNs was twofold higher in children with SDDs and behavioral disorders compared to those without.
• No significant differences were found in the number or types of prescription medications used between the groups.

Conclusions:

• SHCNs are more prevalent in children with SDDs who also have behavioral disorders.
• SHCNs may contribute to the development or exacerbation of behavioral disorders in children with SDDs.
• Interdisciplinary care coordination is suggested to manage the complex needs of these children.